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Protecting animal health from outside threats

Protecting animal health from outside threats is essential to safeguarding the U.S. food supply.

Dr. Kelli Werling with Indiana’s State Board of Animal Health says unwanted pathogens are typically introduced through U.S. ports of entry. 

She tells Brownfield programs like the Beagle Brigade play a key role in preventing the ag industry from foreign pests and diseases.

“Those beagles get the chance to sniff out all of the things we don’t want to be introduced into the U.S. illegally.” she says. “Things that are brought in of agricultural origin or ag products, we want to prevent any injury from happening.”

Werling says the Board of Animal Health partners with the USDA, FBI, Indiana Department of Health, and other agencies to stay ahead of threats through ongoing survileance programs. 

Brownfield interviewed Werling during the 2025 Indiana Ag Threats and Security Summit.

AUDIO: Kelli Werling, Indiana BOAH